Chasing Waterfalls: An Iceland Road Trip Adventure

Iceland—land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, and waterfalls are so numerous that locals barely notice them. My ten-day road trip around the Ring Road was an adventure I'll never forget.

The Journey Begins: Reykjavik

Landing in Reykjavik, I was immediately struck by how clean and colorful the city was. Rainbow-painted buildings lined the streets, and the air was impossibly fresh.

First Impressions

Surprisingly mild weather (in summer)
Midnight sun—it never got truly dark
Incredibly expensive everything
Friendly, English-speaking locals

Day 1-2: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular route, and for good reason:

Thingvellir National Park

Standing between two continental plates—literally. You can walk between North America and Europe here. The historical significance as Iceland's first parliament site adds another layer to this geological wonder.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Watching Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes never got old. The anticipation, the rumbling, the explosive burst of boiling water shooting 30 meters high—nature's perfect show.

Gullfoss Waterfall

My first major Icelandic waterfall. The raw power as glacial water thunders down into a canyon was humbling. The spray created constant rainbows in the sunlight.

Day 3-4: The South Coast

The South Coast is where Iceland really shows off:

Seljalandsfoss

A waterfall you can walk behind! Standing behind the curtain of water, feeling the mist on your face, hearing the roar—surreal doesn't begin to describe it.

Skogafoss

Massive, powerful, and photogenic. I climbed the 500+ steps to the top for a different perspective. Both views were worth it.

Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara)

The black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful waves created an otherworldly atmosphere. This was where I truly felt I'd left Earth behind.

"Warning: Sneaker waves are real. Pay attention to the safety signs. I saw waves unexpectedly surge 50 meters up the beach."

Day 5-6: The East Fjords

The East Fjords are Iceland's hidden gem—fewer tourists, stunning scenery:

Winding roads along cliff edges
Tiny fishing villages
Puffin colonies (adorable!)
Peace and quiet

The drive was slow but spectacular. Every turn revealed a new fjord, each more beautiful than the last.

Day 7-8: The North

Myvatn Lake Area

This geothermal area felt like another planet:

Hverir: Bubbling mud pots and steaming vents
Dimmuborgir: Lava formations straight out of fantasy
Myvatn Nature Baths: Like the Blue Lagoon but less crowded and cheaper

Dettifoss

Europe's most powerful waterfall. The ground literally shook as I approached. The sheer volume of water plummeting into the canyon was incomprehensible.

Godafoss

The "Waterfall of the Gods" lived up to its name—graceful, powerful, and mythical.

Day 9: Akureyri

Iceland's "capital of the north" was a charming town with:

Great restaurants (finally!)
Botanical gardens
Cozy cafes
Mountain views

A welcome break from driving and camping.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik

The final stretch back to Reykjavik took me through:

Hvitserkur: A striking rock formation
Hraunfossar: Waterfalls flowing from beneath a lava field
More incredible landscapes that seemed endless

The Northern Lights

On my last night, the forecast showed high auroral activity. Around 11 PM, the sky began to dance.

Green ribbons of light swirled overhead, pulsing and shifting. Photos don't do it justice—you have to see it to believe it. I stood in the freezing cold for hours, mesmerized.

Tips for Seeing the Lights

Dark skies: Get away from light pollution
Clear weather: Check the forecast
Patience: They don't always show up on schedule
KP index: Higher numbers mean better chances
Camera ready: Long exposures capture what eyes sometimes miss

Practical Tips

Driving in Iceland

Weather changes fast: Check road conditions daily
F-roads: Need 4WD, closed until summer
Gas stations: Can be far apart, fill up often
Speed limits: Enforced by speed cameras
Gravel roads: Slow down! Seriously.

Accommodation

Camping: Cheapest option, many campgrounds
Hostels: Good for meeting travelers
Hotels: Expensive but comfortable
Book ahead: Especially in summer

Food

Expensive: $20+ for a basic meal
Grocery stores: Bonus and Kronan are cheapest
Hot dogs: The famous Reykjavik hot dog stand is worth it
Try local: Skyr (yogurt), lamb, fish

Budget

Iceland is expensive. Period. Budget roughly:

Accommodation: $50-150/night
Food: $50-80/day
Gas: $100+/day (depending on driving)
Activities: $50-200 each

Lessons Learned

Pack

Layers: Weather changes hourly
Waterproof everything: Rain is common
Sunglasses: For driving in low sun
Swimsuit: Hot springs everywhere

Expect the Unexpected

Roads close without warning
Weather forecasts are suggestions
Travel times double what Google says
Every detour leads to beauty

Final Thoughts

Iceland is a photographer's paradise, an adventurer's dream, and a nature lover's heaven. It's expensive, unpredictable, and absolutely worth every penny and moment.

The landscapes are so dramatic they don't look real. The waterfalls are so numerous you start rating them. The weather is so changeable you experience all four seasons in a day.

What Made It Special

The raw, untouched nature
The sense of isolation and freedom
The midnight sun and endless days
The Northern Lights dancing overhead
The friendly locals
The feeling of being on another planet

Iceland isn't just a destination—it's a reminder of nature's power and beauty, a place where you feel simultaneously tiny and connected to something vast.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. I barely scratched the surface. The Westfjords, the Highlands, winter landscapes—there's so much more to explore.

Iceland calling you too? Have questions about planning your trip? Let me know in the comments!